Candlestick Park was silenced after second year quarterback Collin Kaepernick dropped back on the fourth play of the game and threw an interception to Packers cornerback Sam Shields, who returned it for a touchdown.

Kaepernick quickly brushed off his lone mistake to have a career day to help lift the 49ers over the Packers 45-31.

Green Bay’s defense was non-existent and unable to contain the dual threat quarterback. Kaepernick set a quarterback rushing record, compiling 181 yards on 16 carries for two touchdowns. He also completed 17 of 31 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns.

His favorite target was wideout Michael Crabtree, who caught nine passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns.

The Packers also had no answer for 49ers running back Frank Gore. Gore carried the ball 23 times for 119 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two passes for 48 yards.

After the Packers had a 14-7 lead going into the second quarter, momentum quickly shifted when Packers punt returner Jeremy Ross muffed the catch and the 49ers recovered the fumble. The 49ers responded with a touchdown to tie the game.

On Green Bay’s ensuing drive quarterback, Aaron Rodgers over threw wideout Jordy Nelson and was intercepted. Once again the 49ers turned a Packers mistake into a touchdown to retake the lead.

The Packers went into the half down 24-21 but did not make any halftime adjustments to get back into the game and were outscored 21-10 in the second half.

Rodgers finished the game, completing 26 of 39 passes for 257 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Rodgers connected with James Jones and Greg Jennings for touchdowns.

Jones finished the game with four receptions for 87 yards along with his touchdown. Jennings led the Packers with six receptions for 54 yards along with his late score.

The 49ers are now heading back to the NFC Championship game. They will either face the No.1 seed Atlanta Falcons or the No.5 seed Seattle Seahawks. If the Seahawks pull off the upset, San Francisco will host the Championship game at Candlestick Park.

As for the Packers, they will enter the offseason with many decisions to make regarding players and staff.

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The Green Bay Packers clinched the NFC North division for a second consecutive season with their 21-13 victory over divisional rivals the Chicago Bears at Solider Field.

Aaron Rodgers helped the Packers continue their 12-game winning streak in the NFC North division by tossing three touchdown passes. Rodgers completed 22 of 36 passes for 291 along with his three touchdown passes.

James Jones was the recipient to all three touchdowns, catching a total of five catches for 60 yards. Also, wideout Randall Cobb caught a game high six reception for 115 yards.

The Packers featured a combination of running backs to help jumpstart the run game. Alex Green, Ryan Grant and DuJuan Harris combined for 94 of Green Bay’s 113 rushing yards. The run game has picked up in the recent weeks due to rotation they have implemented.

Green Bay was ecstatic with the return of linebacker Clay Matthews, who missed the team’s last four games with a hamstring injury. His presence on defense was known, finishing the game with six tackles and two sacks. Matthews has 11 sacks in the 10 games he has played this season. The defensive pressure stepped it up in his return, combining for four total sacks.

The gameplan for Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears was to run the ball, control the clock and keep Rodgers off the field. Their opening drive looked as if it would have been successful but they had trouble moving the ball.

Cutler finished the game after completing 12 of 21 passes for 135 yards one touchdown and one interception. Cutler connected with wide receiver Brandon Marshall on a 15-yard touchdown in the second quarter to give the Bears their early (and only) lead of the game.

The Packers secondary contained Marshall, who leads the league with 107 receptions, to only six receptions for 35 yards along with his score.

As for Chicago’s run game, Matt Forte had 20 carries for 69 yards. Forte also contributed in the pass game catching five passes for 64 yards.

Chicago’s tenacious defense was without Brian Urlacher but was still able to force two turnovers against Green Bay. Grant busted through the defense for a positive gain and was hit by cornerback Charles Tillman, who forced a fumble recovered by linebacker Nick Roach.

With less than eight minutes left, on a punt, returner Cobb attempted to throw a backwards pass to Jeremy Ross which he also fumbled — the Bears regained possession. The Bears were only able to kick a field goal on the horrendous Packers mistake.

With the victory, the Packers are in contention to earn a first-round playoff bye. As for the Bears, they have fallen to 8-6, along with four other teams in the NFC and will have to battle to earn a wild card playoff position. The Packers will be play their final home game of the season next week against the Tennessee Titans. The Bears will head west to take on the Arizona Cardinals.

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The Green Bay Packers improved to 7-3, escaping past NFC North rivals the Detroit Lions 24-20 at Ford Field.

Green Bay was led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who completed 19-of-27 passes for 236 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Rodgers’ first touchdown pass was in the second quarter to tight-end Jermichael Finley, to give the Packers a 7-3 lead.

Finley  caught three passes for 66 yards along with his touchdown catch. This was Finley’s first game with a touchdown since Week One against the San Francisco 49ers. His 66 receiving yards is also a season high thus far.

Detroit answered back on their next drive with a Mikel Leshoure touchdown run to regain the lead 10-7. Leshoure carried the ball 19 times for 84 yards along with his one-yard touchdown run.

Before the end of the first half quarterback Matthew Stafford dogged a Packers blitz. While trying to scramble for positive yards he was stripped by linebacker Dezman Moses, and the fumble was recovered by defensive end Mike Daniels. Green Bay kicker Mason Crosby was unable to capitalize, missing a 50-yard field goal wide left.

The Packers retook the lead 14-10 on Detroit’s first drive of the second half. On 3rd and 10 from Green Bay’s 44 yard-line,  Stafford dropped back and tried connecting with tight-end Tony Scheffler, but the ball tipped off of his finger tips and landed into safety M.D. Jennings’ hands. Jennings zoomed past the Lions for a 72 yard touchdown.

Stafford and wideout Calvin Johnson connected on a 25-yard touchdown pass to regain the lead 17-14. The pass somehow went right through Packers’ safety Morgan Burnett’s hands, and Johnson secured the catch.

Johnson caught five passes for 143 yards along with his score. This was Johnson’s third consecutive game with over 100+ receiving yards and his second consecutive game with a touchdown catch. Kicker Jason Hanson extended the lead 20-14 after nailing a 27-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

On Green Bay’s ensuing drive, Rodgers led the Green Bay offense down to Detroit’s 22 yard line. On 3rd and 1, Rodgers threw the ball up to wideout Randall Cobb, who caught the pass in between two defenders for the winning touchdown. Cobb caught nine passes for 74 yards along with his touchdown. He continues to be an essential role in the Packers’ high powered offense.

The Packers’ defense stopped Stafford on the following drive, and Crosby kicked a 39-yard field goal to finish off the Lions. Green Bay will have a tough match-up next week on the road against the New York Giants. As for the Lions, they will be back in action on Thanksgiving against the Houston Texans. If the Chicago Bears lose Monday night against the 49ers, the Packers will move into 1st place of the division.

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Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdown passes in their 31-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Rodgers, continues his dominance under center throwing at least two touchdown passes in six consecutive games. Rodgers tossed his first touchdown pass in the first quarter to wideout Randall Cobb.

Cobb continues to excel as one of Green Bay’s biggest offensive threats especially with the absence of Greg Jennings. Cobb caught his second touchdown pass of the game in the second quarter, putting the Packers ahead 14-7.

Packers receiver James Jones put Green Bay ahead 21-7 before the half on a 28 yard touchdown pass. Jones finished the game with four receptions for 61 yards along with his touchdown. Jones and Cobb stepped it up especially after wideout Jordy Nelson injured his ankle in the first quarter.

Tight-end Tom Crabtree’s lone catch came in the 4th quarter and resulted in a 72 yard touchdown to finish off the Cardinals. The 72 yard touchdown was Green Bay’s longest play of the season.

The Packers finally effectively ran the ball with the contribution of a few runners. Running back James Starks carried the ball 17 times for 61 yards, his best game this season. Alex Green also contributed with 11 caries for 53 yards. Rodgers, scrambled eight times for 33 yards and wideout Cobb carried the ball three times for 29 yards. They ran for a total of 176 yards, the most since 2009 against the Cleveland Browns.

The injury bug hit Green Bay again this week and hopefully everyone can return healthy after their bye week. Other than losing Nelson, Packers lost tackle Bryan Bulaga and linebacker Clay Matthews. All three exited the game and did not return.

As for the Arizona Cardinals, quarterback John Skelton threw for 306 yards one touchdown and one interception. His 306 yards was the first time Skelton threw for over 300 yards this season. His lone touchdown pass was to star wideout Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald caught six passes for 74 yards along with his 31 yard touchdown catch in the 4th quarter.

Running back LaRod Stephens-Howling carried the ball 17 times for 51 yards and one touchdown in the second quarter.

After starting the season 4-0, the Cardinals are on a five game losing streak, averaging 10.6 points per game in their last five games. The Cardinals will have their bye week next week but will have another tough match-up Sunday, November 18, against the Atlanta Falcons.

Green Bay is on a four game winning streak entering their bye week. Coming off their bye, they will have a tough divisional rival match-up at Ford Field against the Detroit Lions.

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The Green Bay Packers surprisingly struggled against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but were able to hang on to earn themselves a 24-15 victory and improve to 5-3 on the season.

The Packers were without number one and two wideouts Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson. Jennings will miss about six weeks after opting for surgery on his groin. As for Nelson, he was inactive because of a hamstring injury. Lets not forget all of the injury woes the Packers are facing on the defensive side.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 22-of-35 for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Rodgers has thrown at least two touchdowns in the last five games for the Packers. Rodgers connected with wideout Randall Cobb on a five yard touchdown pass in the 1st quarter and veteran wideout Donald Driver in the 4th quarter.

James Jones led the Packers receiving core with seven receptions and 78 yards. Cobb continues to make a name for himself after catching his 4th touchdown pass of the year, already three more than last season. Cobb has already surpassed last seasons yards and receptions totals.

Green Bays running game continues to be non-existent and the absence of Cedric Benson continues to hurt them week after week. Alex Green carried the ball 22 times for an unproductive 54 yards. Green Bays rushing high of the season is held by Benson with 84 yards. Since he went down with a season ending injury, there has not been a single back to run for more than 65 yards.

In the 2nd quarter, Green Bay’s special teams came up with an enormous punt block that was recovered in the end-zone to help put seven points on the board.

Jacksonville quarterback Blaine Gabbert threw a career high 303 yards and tossed one touchdown pass in the defeat. Wideout Cecil Shorts led the receivers eight receptions for 116 yards.

The Jaguars lost star running back Maurice Jones-Drew to a foot injury last week, therefore promoting Rashard Jennings as the starting back. Jennings carried the ball 17 times for 59 yards, including six receptions for 56 yards. Jacksonville will face another NFC North opponent, the Detroit Lions, next week at home.

Green Bay’s victory is their third straight this season, and they have won 16 of their last 17 games at Lambeau Field. The Packers are now tied for second with the Minnesota Vikings. They will be welcoming the Arizona Cardinals to Lambeau next week as they look for a 4th straight win.

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The NFL’s oldest rivalry will meet for the 185th time Thursday night at Lambeau Field. The Packers will try to bounce back from a Week One, 30-22 defeat by the San Francisco 49ers, and the Bears look to make an early divisional statement and improve to 2-0 on the season.

Green Bay had an extremely difficult time stopping the 49ers’ offense this past Sunday. Green Bay gave up a total of 377 yards: 191 via pass, and 186 on the ground. In addition, the Packers struggled running the ball, compiling a total of 45 rushing yards. Packers’ newly acquired running back, Cedric Benson, only had nine carries for 18 yards- not exactly what the Packers wanted to see from their free agent signing. Unfortunately, the Packers also may be without wide receiver, Greg Jennings, who is ailing with a groin injury.

As for the Bears, their offense looked explosive. The Bears had a total of 428 yards, sixth best in the NFL, against the Indianapolis Colts. Jay Cutler and wide receiver Brandon Marshall did not miss a beat. In a Tuesday conference, when asked about the Packers’ defensive backs pressing and being physical with receivers Cutler said, “Good luck.” A very bold yet confident statement to make just a week into play.

Chicago’s running back duo could possibly be the best in the NFL. Matt Forte and Michael Bush were very effective Week One combining for 122 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, the Bears were able to create turnovers, forcing three interceptions and two fumbles. Bears’ linebacker Brian Urlacher is expected to play even though he is still suffering knee problems. Also cornerback, Charles Tillman is expected to play. Tillman left Week One with an apparent shin injury.

Keys to Victory for the Packers:

Put pressure on Jay Cutler:

The Packers are going to have to be effective on the blitz and force Jay Cutler to make mistakes. They cannot allow him to settle in the pocket and find open receivers. Several times, Cutler threw questionable passes into double coverage in Week One against the Colts; Green Bay must capitalize on these mistakes, force turnovers and let their offense control the game.

Establish Some Type of Run Game:

The Packers had absolutely no run game Week One, which needs to change as the season progresses. By establishing a run game the Packers’ offense becomes more dangerous, and less predictable. This also gives Green Bay the ability to control the clock, and keep Cutler and his explosive offense off the field.

Keys to Victory for the Bears

Attack Green Bay’s weak Secondary:

The Bears have a talented offense and Cutler can definitely distribute and pass the ball. Cutler and the Bears should want to keep the ball in the air and see if the Packers are capable of stopping their receiving core revolved around Brandon Marshall.

Keep Aaron Rodgers off the Field:

Rodgers was not named MVP last year for nothing. He is extremely talented and executes very efficiently. The Bears must try and control the clock with Forte and Bush. The longer their offense is on the field the longer Rodgers is on the sideline. The Bears want to keep him off the field and put more pressure on the Packers’ defense to come up to make a big play.

The Packers will look to expand their current winning streak over the Bears to five games, but it definitely will not come easy. As coach Mike McCarthy said while addressing the press: “It’s a tough game every time we get together on the field, so we are expecting that, but yes we are focusing on winning the game.”

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After last seasons’ disappointing playoff exit, the Packers are ready for the upcoming season.

Offensively, the Packers are led by last seasons’ MVP, Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers threw for 4,643 yards, 45 touchdowns, and had a league leading passer rating of 122.5. Expect a similar type year this upcoming season especially since all of his core offensive weapons are back. Not to mention, the Packers also added running back Cedric Benson, this offseason. The addition of Benson definitely improves the Packers non-existent run game from last season, which should also pay dividends for Rodgers and the passing game.

Defensively, the Packers certainly have some concerns. Last season, Green Bay was ranked last in the NFL and allowed 411.6 yards per game. In addition, the Packers had a very difficult time getting pressure on the opposing teams’ quarterbacks and were ranked in the bottom five in the league. As a result of their defensive woes, Green Bay used six of their eight draft picks on defense. First round pick Nick Perry from USC and second round pick Jerel Worthy from Michigan State should help the Packers put some pressure on quarterbacks this upcoming year.

The secondary may be more of a concern in terms of defensive problems. The Packers parted ways with safety Nick Collins because of health concerns, and as a result, they moved cornerback Charles Woodson, to the safety position at the start of training camp. In addition, the Packers also released veteran safety Charlie Peprah. The departure of these veterans opens up a chance for the young members of the secondary, especially defensive backs Morgan Burnett and M.D Jennings to prove they are NFL ready. Expect Woodson to move back to corner if M.D Jennings or rookie Jerron McMillian impress defensive coordinator Dom Capers.

The Packers start off the season with some difficult tests, week one against San Francisco 49ers, week two Chicago Bears, three at Seattle, and four New Orleans Saints. It is not likely the Packers will go 15-1 like last season, but a record of 11-5 or 12-4 is a more realistic target for their 2012 campaign. In addition, they should win the NFC North, a much more competitive division this upcoming year thanks to big improvements to the Chicago Bears roster as well as much of the young talent of the Detroit Lions growing in experience.

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For the first time in their 92 year history the Green Bay Packers are 13-0 after defeating the Oakland Raiders in a rout, 46-16. The Packers dominated on both sides of the ball, and showed early on that it was going to be a long day for the Raiders. On the Raiders first possession of the game, pressure from Clay Matthews forced Carson Palmer to throw an ill advised pass that was picked off by D.J. Smith.

That would be the first of four picks the Green Bay defense would force Palmer to throw. The Packers made sure not to squander those turnovers, converting them into 21 points on the day. Fourteen of the points came off of Ryan Grant touchdown runs and both before halftime.

Grant’s first touchdown was a 47 yard scamper on the first offensive play of the day for the Packers, his second came during a six yard run in the second quarter to put the Pack up 31-0.

While the rest of team was firing on all cylinders, the frontrunner in the MVP race, Aaron Rodgers had a quiet night by his standards.  Rodgers only threw for 2 touchdowns with 281 yards and for the first time this season had a passer rating under a 100. Rodgers “pedestrian” numbers can be attributed to the fact that he did not play a single down in the fourth quarter.

With the game well in hand Coach McCarthy wisely replaced him with backup Matt Flynn. Coach McCarthy wishes he would have replaced star wide receiver Greg Jennings who went down in the third quarter with a knee injury. The details of Jennings’ injury are being held close to the vest by the Packer organization, simple being classified by McCarty as a sprain that warranted further evaluation.

If Jennings injury causes him to miss any serious time, this is the best stretch for him to be absent. The Packers have locked up the top seed in the NFC playoffs, earning them a first round bye week, giving Jennings five weeks before it’s absolutely necessary for him to make his return.

With the divisional race and home field advantage throughout the playoffs locked up, the only concern for the Packers is do they make an attempt at a perfect season or sit their starters for the rest of the season. If the Packers elect to strive for 19-0, they run the risk of getting one of their star players injured during a “meaningless” game, which could have repercussions on their run for a second straight championship.

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In an offensive slugfest the Green Bay Packers defeated the New York Giants, 38-35. The tone for the game was set from the very beginning, as the New York Giants drove down the field to score a touchdown on the first possession of the game. On a broken play, Giants quarterback Eli Manning delivered a bomb to Travis Beckum.

Beckum made great cutbacks to make a couple Packer defenders miss on his way into the endzone. After a completed extra point kick from Lawrence Tynes, the giants were up 7-0, and for the first time in a month, the Packers were trailing in a game. The explosive offense from the Packers, led by MVP frontrunner Aaron Rodgers, put their hands on the ball yet.

Late in the first quarter, Aaron Rodgers knotted the game up, when he found Jermichael Finely wide open near the goal line for an easy touchdown score. The Giants would drive back down the field to score a field goal reestablishing their lead, and letting the Packers know they were in for a fight.

It was a fight the Packers were more than willing to participate in. In the first play of the second quarter, the Packers dealt the Giants a blow they never saw coming. Packer linebacker Clay Matthews picked off Manning’s intended pass to Ahmad Bradshaw, and returned it for a touchdown to give the Packers their first lead of the day.

The Giants defense forced Rodgers to throw a rare interception. The ball was picked off by Chase Blackburn, and returned inside the Packers redzone, culminating in a 1-yard run by Brandon Jacobs for the touchdown. With the Giants back on top 17-14, it was once again Rodgers’ time to put the team on his shoulders.

Starting at his own 20, Rodgers engineered an 80-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Donald Driver, who was all alone in the back corner of the endzone. The Packers would go up 21-17, and never relinquished the lead.

However, the Giants did make it interesting late in the fourth quarter. With 3:34 left on the clock, Manning lead the Giants down the field to score a touchdown and a two-point conversion to tie the game up at 35. The only mistake made on the drive is that the Giants left 58 seconds on the clock.

Rodgers took full advantage of his time and completed one pass to Finley and one to Jordy Nelson, who made a spectacular catch, to put the Packers in field goal territory. After a quick pass to Greg Jennings to gain better field goal position, Mason Crosby kicked a 30 yard game-winning field goal.

With the win, the Packers moved to 12-0 and clinched the NFC North Division title for the first time since 2007. The Giants fall to 6-6 and are locked in a tight NFC East division race with the Dallas Cowboys.

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The Green Bay Packers managed to stay unbeaten as they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a close one, 35-26. For the first time this year, the Packers did not look like the offensive juggernaut that teams around the NFL have become accustomed to. The Packers were pushed to the edge by the Buccaneers, but prevailed thanks to an Aaron Rodgers touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson late in the 4^th quarter.

The Packer offense didn’t necessarily struggle, but it lacked the familiar flow seen in previous games. After the game Rodgers was noticeably dejected with his performance he stated, “I didn’t throw the ball very well. I’m not trying to be ridiculously humble right now, I’m just frustrated. The ball wasn’t coming out the way I wanted it to today.”

Rogers lack of comfort with the ball showed itself when he was picked off by corner Elbert Mack. The Buccaneers offense took advantage of the rare gift, Rodgers has only thrown four picks this year, and Josh Freeman delivered a quick strike to Dezmon Briscoe for a touchdown to pull them within two points. Freeman carved up the Packer defense up on the drive completing five passes in a row.

A sight the defense could not have been accustomed to, because for most of the day Lagarette Blount ran wild on the field. Including an impressive 54 yard run where Blount bulldozed through the arms of seven Packer players.

However when the Packer defense needed to come through at the end of the game, they forced the Buccaneers to turn the ball over on downs and effectively sealed the victory. The Packers defense needs to make all the necessary adjustments if they want win next week, because their opponent is Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions who just threw for five touchdowns.

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Eight games later and the Green Bay Packers are still undefeated after they won in a shootout, 45-38, over the San Diego Chargers. The Packers, coming off their bye week, showed no signs of rustiness, as they scored three touchdowns in the first quarter taking a 21-7 lead. An early lead isn’t a new sensation for the Packers but how they managed it was definitely unique.

The Packers defense outscored Aaron Rodgers and the Packers high powered offense two touchdowns to one. Charlie Peprah and Tramon Williams both picked off Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers for 40 yard touchdown returns. The Chargers would not be deterred by the Packer defensive pressure.

Early in the second quarter Rivers and running back Mike Tolbert marched the offense down the field to score a Tolbert rushing touchdown, and closed the gap to 21-14. From there it was a showcase of offensive prowess by the Packers as they jumped out to a 45-24 lead with 10 minutes left in the 4^th quarter.

Rodgers further showed why he is currently regarded the best player in the NFL; he began to pick apart the Chargers secondary, throwing for three more touchdowns each to a different receiver. Rodgers had the Packers on their way to what seemed like an easy victory over the Chargers.

Even with the Chargers down 21, Rivers was determined to make up for those costly interceptions. He engineered a well executed drive that began on the Chargers 20 and culminated in touchdown pass to wide receiver Vincent Jackson. After the touchdown drive the Chargers were still down 14 points and with time running out vied to go for the onside kick.

The Chargers managed to recover the onside kick and with a short field Rivers led the offense to another touchdown to pull within seven. The Chargers defense managed to hold the Packers and give their offense one last shot at tying the game. Rivers once again had the offense marching down the field, but late in the drive, he was picked off for the 3^rd time, by Peprah — once again, effectively sealing the Packers victory.

The Packers are now 8-0 and there is talk of whether or not the Packers can finish the season a perfect 16-0. The last team to complete a perfect regular season was the 2007 New England Patriots who eventually loss in the Super Bowl and finish the season 18-1.

The Packer faithful are hoping their team can do one better than the Patriots, and be the first team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to finish the year unbeaten.

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The Green Bay Packers stay perfect on the season as they defeated the Minnesota Vikings 33-27, spoiling rookie Christian Ponder’s hope for his first win as the starting quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers once again played like the leading candidate for NFL MVP should by throwing 300+ yards, making three touchdowns and no interceptions. There were some early offensive issues for the Packers as they were only able to muster two Mason Crosby field goals in the second quarter. This allowed the Vikings to jump out to a 17-13 lead behind the play of Ponder and star running back Adrian Peterson.

The Packer offense then came to life, scoring 20 points in the second half and quelling any notion that there may be issues in the offensive unit. Rodgers was never worried about being down at the half, stating, “There’s not a lot of panic in this team. We’ve been down a couple times at halftime, just a lot of focus.”

The Packers came out firing, scoring touchdown on their first two offensive possessions of the half.  A blown defensive coverage allowed Greg Jennings to jog into the end zone for a 79 yard reception from Rodgers. The second drive ended in a 2 yard touchdown reception to Jermichael Finley, and put the Packers up 27-17.

For as well as the Packers played, the Vikings would not go down with a fight, making a 4^th quarter comeback that eventually fell short. Peterson was a huge part of the Viking offense rushing for almost 200 yards on the day. Even with his big day Peterson was obviously upset stating, “It’s frustrating to come out against the defending champs and be that close and not to come up with the win.”

Peterson’s huge rushing numbers did help ease the scoring burden on rookie quarterback Ponder. Ponder played much better than expected against the defending champions, throwing for 200+ yards and two touchdowns.

However there were glaring flashes of his inexperience, throwing two interceptions in the second half that both resulted in Packer field goals, which ended up being the difference in the game. The Vikings may have lost the game but the future looks bright for them on the legs of Peterson and on the arm of Ponder.

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The Green Bay Packers are alone on top of the NFL Mountain after defeating the St. Louis Rams 24-3. The Packer victory pushes their record to 6-0 and makes them the only remaining unbeaten team after the Detroit Lions loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Packers made it look easy, getting the performance out of their quarterback Aaron Rodgers that they come to expect. Rodgers threw for 300 plus yards and three touchdowns, including a career best 93 yard bomb to Jordy Nelson. However the show was over just as quickly as it started; all points scored by both teams came in the first half.

While happy to get the win, the scoreless half bothered Packer head coach Mike McCarthy and in a statement he said “You have to be running on all cylinders, and we’re not there yet. So fortunately, we’re 6-0. We’ll continue to work to get there.” The same lack of offense bothered Rodgers as well, as he stated, “It’s a feeling of minor disappointment, I think, in that locker room.

We just, in the second half, offensively just struggled. The second quarter was great; we put up a lot of points. I think it’s encouraging at the same time. It’s tough to win in this league, we’re 6-0, and have a lot of room for improvement.”

While the Packers were looking for ways to continue their dominance, the Rams were just looking for ways to score and win. The Rams are currently 0-5 and sitting at the bottom of the NFC West, looking up at the division leading San Francisco 49ers. Frustrated Rams running back Steven Jackson tried to explain the slow start, “for whatever reason, we get into the red zone; we keep shooting ourselves in the foot.”

The Packers on both sides of the ball looked to be poised to make another deep playoff run. If there are any points of contention it would be the injury plagued offensive line and banged up secondary. Last week, the Packers lost left tackle Chad Clifton indefinitely and safety Sam Shields went down in the 3^rd quarter after sustaining a head injury. Even with the missing pieces, both performed well this Sunday, protecting Rodgers and shutting the Rams offense down.

However, when the second season comes around, they won’t be up against a struggling team like the Rams. For the Packers sake, let’s hope they fill those personnel holes and avoid becoming Swiss cheese.

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